FACTBOX: Fortress Beijing: Security steps for the Olympics

(Reuters) - China, which says it has already cracked domestic terror plots targeting the Olympics, has taken sweeping steps to secure the Games against protests or attacks.

By relying on its armed forces Beijing hopes to pay less than a third of $1.8 billion previous-host Athens paid for security.

Here are some facts about security at the August 8-24 Games.

SCREENING VISITORS

-- Visa rules have tightened. Travelers must now show a return air ticket and a hotel booking before buying a visa.

-- Hong Kong, host of Olympic equestrian events and a major gateway to China, has created a watchlist of unwelcome activists, and brought in new visa restrictions ahead of the Games.

-- Interpol is to give Beijing airport and other major border entry points access to its database of more than 14 million lost or stolen travel documents.

SECURITY CAPABILITIES

-- A 100,000-strong security force, including the elite Snow Wolf Commando Unit, is already on alert for terrorists.